A fluency disorder, which is often referred to as “stuttering”, is characterized by primary (core) and secondary behaviours. Primary behaviours may include repetitions of sounds, syllables, or whole words; prolongations of single sounds.
To combine words and speak in short sentences (18 months of age) and can continue into their early school years when they learn to read (7 years of age). Disfluent speech seems to typically “peak” between 2 and 5 years of age. Controversy exists in the research about the number of children who “spontaneously recover” from stuttering without treatment, with some figures as high as 80%.
However, the question becomes which children won’t’ recover and who among them are at risk for the development of chronic stuttering? Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) rely on many factors in making a differential diagnosis, including the consideration of certain risk factors and warning signs that point to which clients would benefit from treatment.
SLP works with parents and adjustments are made in the home that facilitate fluent speech. or stuttering modification techniques or a combination of the two. Finally, in cases of moderate-to-severe stuttering, clients’ feelings and attitudes towards their speech are also addressed in a comprehensive therapy approach.
Types of Fluency Disorders:
1.Stuttering (Stammering)
- Developmental Stuttering: The most common form, typically arising in early childhood.
- Neurogenic Stuttering: Resulting from neurological conditions or brain injuries.
- Psychogenic Stuttering: Associated with psychological trauma or stress.
2.Cluttering
- Characterized by rapid and/or irregular speech rate, leading to a lack of clarity and organization in speech.
Causes of Fluency Disorders
1.Genetic Factors
- Family history of stuttering can increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.
2.Neurological Factors
- Abnormalities in speech-related areas of the brain.
3.Developmental Factors
- Delays or differences in language development and coordination.